Raylan is a unique and distinct male given name of Irish origin. It means "little warrior" or "small king," derived from the Irish elements "ráth" meaning "little" and "lán" meaning "king." This name has gained popularity in recent years, particularly among parents looking for traditional yet uncommon names for their sons.
The name Raylan is believed to have been used during the Middle Ages in Ireland. However, it was not widely documented until the 19th century when it began to appear more frequently in Irish birth records. Today, Raylan remains a rare but significant name, with its usage primarily concentrated in Ireland and the United States.
One famous bearer of the name Raylan is American actor Raylan Givens, best known for his role in the television series "Justified." However, it is essential to note that this character's name was inspired by the real-life criminal Mara Lynn Givens, and not directly related to the Irish origin of the name Raylan.
In summary, Raylan is a charming and distinctive male given name with Irish roots. Its meaning, "little warrior" or "small king," imbues it with strength and nobility, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking a unique yet meaningful name for their son. Despite its rarity, Raylan has been used throughout history and continues to be an attractive option for those looking beyond the most common names.
The name Raylan has seen a notable increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. According to available statistics, only five babies were named Raylan in 1975. However, this number began to rise steadily throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s.
In 1992, seven babies were given the name Raylan, which marked a significant increase from previous years. This upward trend continued with six births in both 1994 and 1996, followed by another spike to ten births in 2002.
The year 2005 proved to be a turning point for the popularity of the name Raylan, with fourteen babies being named after this unique moniker. This was the highest number of Raylan births since records began until that point.
Between 2006 and 2019, there were fluctuations in the number of babies named Raylan each year, ranging from seven to 445 births annually. However, it is worth noting that there has been a significant decrease in popularity for this name since its peak in 2015 when 630 babies were named Raylan.
In recent years, the number of babies named Raylan has continued to decline slightly, with 372 births recorded in 2022 and 408 births in 2023. Despite this decrease, it is clear that the name Raylan has maintained a level of popularity among parents in the United States over the past few decades.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate how the popularity of a name can ebb and flow over time, with various factors contributing to its rise and fall in popularity.